I love Brussels sprouts, but I never saw them in Brussels. You see a lot of French Fries there, because they're really Belgian Fries. They serve them with mayonaise and, if you insist and can ask in a good American accent, they will give you catsup. You can't buy them with American credit cards because they aren't secure enough to purchase vegetable products in Belgium.

Max, I miss your wit and wisdom and will need to check back more often.

Yup. Here's a free tip to all EET bloggers: throw in a mention of some food item, no matter how tenuous the connection to the original topic. Inclusion of a recipe is even better. That will GUARANTEE the ascent of your blog to the "Top Ten Most Commented" list!

Sadly, I was not aware of the fact that this blog was still alive and reaping numerous new posts. I just saw some of the exchanges between Max and kfield and wandered over. So many new wondrous nuggets of knowledge! (now how many posters can conceive of alliterating two words, one with an initial N, the other a K)? I wonder how many of the vast universe of EET readers marvel at the grip food has on so many of the posters? However, the references to the possible adhesive suitability of Acer Saccharum sap may mollify those readers who are interested in "green" technologies.

Max, if you had been to girls camp, I suspect you might possibly have become educated in other arcane mysteries! Those too were likely horribly neglected during your Uni years (and for good reason!).

@kfield: ...everyone should note that maple syrup does not make a good adhesive!

If only I'd been to girls camp, I would know useful stuff like this. I cannot fathom why they never mentioned these nuggets of knowledge during my university course -- four long years and nothing to show for it -- I shall write a letter to the chancelor immediately!

In conjunction with unveiling of EE Times’ Silicon 60 list, journalist & Silicon 60 researcher Peter Clarke hosts a conversation on startups in the electronics industry. One of Silicon Valley's great contributions to the world has been the demonstration of how the application of entrepreneurship and venture capital to electronics and semiconductor hardware can create wealth with developments in semiconductors, displays, design automation, MEMS and across the breadth of hardware developments. But in recent years concerns have been raised that traditional venture capital has turned its back on hardware-related startups in favor of software and Internet applications and services. Panelists from incubators join Peter Clarke in debate.